Early each morning, several residents can hear the faint sound of drums, bells and tubas through their neighborhoods.

Music begins promptly at 7 a.m. as more than 100 Hart High School band and color guard members begin their two-hour, morning marching band rehearsal at Hart High School.

The Hart Regiment is practicing for more than just the next home football game; it is also working to perfect a complete show to perform at competitions throughout the school year.

These shows are sometimes planned as far as two years in advance when it comes to design and commissioning unique music, said Band Director Anthony Bailey, who has been with the program for his entire 17-year career.

“All of the music is written and composed for us,” he said. “It allows us to write to the kids and write to their strengths and adapt parts that fit the percussionists and fit the wind players.”

Bailey and his staff always work to present something that is unique, but still connects with the audience and entertains them, he said.

“We try to be pretty innovative and stay current and fresh with what we’re doing so we’re on top of the curve.” And all of this hard work is paying off.

Hart bandThe Hart Regiment has consistently competed at the finals level of Bands of America Regional Championships and has been named Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association’s (SCSBOA) Marching Band Champion in division 4A for 12 years.

This year, Bailey and his marching band are going for the 13th win.

“We had won consecutively for nine years, and then we took a year off and started competing again the following year,” Bailey said. “This group of seniors could potentially win four years in a row.”

Bailey attributes the success of the marching band to the strength of his students.

“It’s because I have great kids that work really hard,” he said. “That’s why we’re able to consistently win championships every year.”

Upon closer observation, it is easy to see that Bailey’s dedication to his students also makes a difference.

“We really make sure every student can do what we’re asking of them,” he said. “So if it requires us to reteach and reteach and reteach, then that’s what we’ll do so every student out here feels successful.”

The Regiment’s music, choreography, uniforms and formations will be completed before its first competition Oct. 15 at Baldwin Park High School, and its own competition — Hart Rampage Field Show Tournament, hosted at College of the Canyons Oct. 29.

This year’s show theme is “Bittersweet Symphony,” featuring string instruments and players, giant music notes, string imagery and “everything that is cliché in music.” The music will consist of modernized takes on classical numbers like Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” and Antonin Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.”

Regardless of the competitions’ outcomes, Bailey is happy with the success of the band thus far.

“It’s a great group of kids and I’m really proud of what they’re accomplishing,” he said. “I’m really proud of the success that we’ve had over the years.”